Fishing Tackle Tips for the Florida Keys: Trolling Outfits

The most versatile fishing gear for the Florida Keys is the twenty pound spinning outfit mentioned an earlier article. While the twenty pound outfit will handle a lot of big fish, versatile trolling rods, also known as, boat rods are very useful. With the light packing, fishing vacationer in mind, this recommended combination will handle many fishing options.

The conventional 4/0 fishing reel with a short stand-up fishing rod and spooled with forty pound clear monofilament is a good all around choice. It can handle most of the trolling duties, heavy live bait fishing and does a good job bottom fishing.

The Penn and Daiwa 4/0 conventional reels are recommended for their strong gears and line capacity. The drag system on these old stand-bys is adequate but not great. The retrieve ratio is on the low side for trolling but right on time for bottom fishing. Forty pound test is a compromise between the trolling where 30 pound test would be a better choice and 50 to 60 pound test more appropriate for bottom fishing. This is also a good line test for trolling deep diving, stretch plugs for grouper and other critters along the reef.

The Penn and Daiwa reels are not cheap, they are moderately priced. The Penn 113 (4/0) ranges from $80 to 120 bucks. With forty pound test, the line capacity is around 380 yards. As always, clear mono is recommended. Some guys like that Three Mile Island glow in the dark line, but clear is versatile, stick with clear. These reels can handle the braided lines and the braids are useful for trolling deep plugs, down-riggers and deep drop bottom fishing. Still the braided lines are not as versatile or as forgiving as monofilament.

Make a note that these reels are conventional without level winds. Level winds are just fine if you don't want to catch big, fast fish. Since a level wind reel tends to pull at hard angles off the spool, that puts more pressure on your line. Big fish can make level wind user more than just a bit frustrated. Learn to use the conventional and thumb the line to keep it level. If you can walk and chew gum, you can get use to a convention saltwater fishing reel.

The stand-up rod is not a compromise, it is the ticket! Stand-up rods are less than six feet long and have an extended fore-grip. A good stand-up rod will have eight or more guides. Ceramic guides are the most common, but the titanium guides are gaining some ground.

The big advantage of the shorter stand-up tackle is leverage and shipping for travelers. Since there is no such thing as a good two piece trolling rod, stand-up is real deal. You don't have to pay big bucks to get a good quality stand-up rod, Cabela's, Basspro, Boater's World West Marine and even Kmart have pretty inexpensive choices. Mine are custom made with Uglystick® blanks, but I fish for a living. That Uglystick® blank is not a bad choice for anyone though.

A good shopper can get the stand-up outfit for $130 to $160 dollars. While this combo may not impress every trained professional, it is perfect for the average weekend warrior and Keys do it yourself vacationer. If you are flying in for your fishing vacation, check ahead with the lodge or your accommodations. Mailing your gear instead of lugging through the airport will make the trip easier. Having the right tackle will make you fishing trip more productive.